By Hayley Robinson

Sittingbourne's first outside gym is to be created in Murston.

Thanks to funding from the Big Lottery fund, the £30,000 gym will be installed at Ceres Court and open for use by February next year.

Equipment includes an agility bench, a horseback rider, a chest press, a leg press, equipment that allows people to perform pull-ups and pull downs, and also a piece of equipment that replicates skiing motions.

Users do not need to be trained to use the equipment although a guidance board will be erected that details how the equipment should be used.

It is hoped that the outdoor gym equipment and teenage shelter will compliment the Ball Court that is already on the site.

Contractor Wicksteed, from Kettering in Northamptonshire, will construct the gym.

Cllr Cindy Davis, Swale Borough Council’s Executive Portfolio Holder, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce this new venture and this first for Sittingbourne. We hope that this equipment encourages older people to become more active and that the site therefore becomes of real benefit to Murston residents of all ages.”

Ward Councillors Dave Banks and Manuella Tomes said: “We are really pleased that this outdoor gym is coming to Murston and that the Council’s Leisure team has worked hard to secure the funding from the Big Lottery Fund. This is good news for residents and we look forward to these improvements being made to the Ceres Court site.”